Ukraine Crisis Spurs Calls for Europe to Rethink Shale

Proponents Hope Development Will Wean Continent Off Russian Gas

LONDON—The crisis in Ukraine has intensified calls from industry and political leaders—including senior U.S. officials—for Europe to develop its own shale industry.

Proponents hope doing so will help wean the Continent off gas imported from Russia, which currently exports around 30% of the region's gas needs, and shield Europe's energy supply from geopolitical disputes with its Eastern neighbor.